? for riders with windshields...
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 494
Likes: 0
From: The Great Plains
? for riders with windshields...
Riding down the highway yesterday into a 30 mph headwind, I couldn't go over 60 without being almost blown off my bike...(cages doing 75 or 80, I felt like a moving target). How do windshields affect handling? Do they cause the bike to buffet or wobble if gusting winds hit?(like when big trucks go past)... Thanks in advance for your input...
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 701
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
RE: ? for riders with windshields...
Definitely the wind does effect the ride. You said it buffeting. Sometimes I can literally feel the wind get behind my windshield and push me forward, crosswinds sometimes catch it at the right angle, etc. How about 20-30 winds and behind lines of 18 wheelers on the Interstate and you get it real good. Actually feel like I'm leaning into the wind like a sailboater 
! But, I wouldn't have it any other way, I love the windshield.
! But, I wouldn't have it any other way, I love the windshield.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,322
Likes: 0
From: Somerset County
RE: ? for riders with windshields...
It's true that you can feel the buffeting effect and sometimes you drift but I sure do love having the windshield esp. when a stone or large bug is coming at me!
Supporter
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,366
Likes: 11
From: Ozark, AL
RE: ? for riders with windshields...
Never anything serious but it can sure get your attention sometimes. My RK holds her line real well with the windshield or the fairing. Got to have one or the other.[8D]
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 7,279
Likes: 56
From: Union Bridge, MD
RE: ? for riders with windshields...
Love my detachable on my 05 FXDI. When I feel like wind and bugs in my face I take it off. Definitly helps.
[IMG]local://upfiles/4722/190B56D131944C72A49F0D3DAEDB2E04.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/4722/190B56D131944C72A49F0D3DAEDB2E04.jpg[/IMG]
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Road Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,200
Likes: 5
From: Currently the pig country of Arkansas
RE: ? for riders with windshields...
Low bug day here in Arkansas, so for Easter I popped my quick releases and rode my Heritage around "naked" (sans windshield).
The bug strikes on the face at 70+ MPH really make me grit my teeth, but the biggest difference I notice is the wind noise. It is loud enough that I need ear plugs when wearing a half helmet. However, when I have the windshield off and an unobstructed view of blue sky and clouds going by as reflected by my Heritage's big chrome headlight... Kinda makes me realize why you don't find many motorcycles parked in front of the shrink's office.
Edmo
The bug strikes on the face at 70+ MPH really make me grit my teeth, but the biggest difference I notice is the wind noise. It is loud enough that I need ear plugs when wearing a half helmet. However, when I have the windshield off and an unobstructed view of blue sky and clouds going by as reflected by my Heritage's big chrome headlight... Kinda makes me realize why you don't find many motorcycles parked in front of the shrink's office.
Edmo
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,222
Likes: 0
From: St. Johns, MI
RE: ? for riders with windshields...
Think of it as an upper body workout. I wouldn't give it up though. You'll learn when to anticipate it. Oddly enough, I notice quite a kick from s.u.v.'s and mini vans. If possible get out from behind them and go. Detachables are worth the cash. Get the right size though. Ask around for the right eye level, etc.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 251
Likes: 1
From:
RE: ? for riders with windshields...
hmmm...for me - it is the opposite. With the windshield on, I don't feel the blast from big trucks passing by, nor do I feel the "wind" trying to push me off my bike when I'm cruising at high speeds. I don't ever recall having the windshield cause problems on windy days either.
But when I have the windshield off, I feel like I'm gonna get blown off the bike if I take my hands off when riding at high speeds. Plus theirs the extra wind noise, and the bugs and sand/grit etc. And I feel the wind blast from every big truck that passes me (oncoming)...not a big deal, but I feel it none the same...
I prefer the windshield unless its really hot and I'll be riding at relatively low speeds...
But when I have the windshield off, I feel like I'm gonna get blown off the bike if I take my hands off when riding at high speeds. Plus theirs the extra wind noise, and the bugs and sand/grit etc. And I feel the wind blast from every big truck that passes me (oncoming)...not a big deal, but I feel it none the same...
I prefer the windshield unless its really hot and I'll be riding at relatively low speeds...